SOYA
SOYA REDUCES HOT FLUSHES
A group of 104 women who were having at least 7 hot flushes
daily were given 60g soya daily. After 3 weeks they were
having 26% fewer flushes, and after 3 months it was 45%
fewer compared to 30% in women taking a placebo.
Albertazzi, P. et al
OBST. & GYNEC. 1998, 91 (1) 6-11
Courtesy AMER. HERB ASSOC. NEWS. 1998, XIV (3)
CANCER KILLER - HORMONE IN SOYA BEANS STARVES TUMOUR CELLS
Biochemists in the University of S. California in Los Angeles
have discovered that genistein, an oestrogen in soya, plays
a pivotal role in suppressing growth of cancer cells. When
a cancer cell is growing at full blast the cells soon run
out of oxygen and glucose. To compensate they send out a
chemical SOS which triggers angiogenesis. Genistein blocks
the action of CCAAT-binding factor. This protein normally
binds to an important genetic 'motif' in DNA and triggers
the stress genes. Genistein adds phosphorus to the binding
factor, neutralising it before the switch is tripped, thus
starving the cancer cell.
J. NAT. CANCER INST. Vol. 90, p381
NEW SCIENTIST, 14th March 1998
ALLIES IN THE BREAST CANCER BATTLE - HERBS FOR PREVENTION,
TREATMENT, AND HEALING
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women.
It develops slowly, moving through many stages and can exist
for 5 to 10 years before being diagnosed. Most researchers
believe that breast cancer is linked to exposure to oestrogens,
which encourage the growth of breast tissue. For women who
have a high risk of getting breast cancer, the recommended
prevention regimen includes the use of compounds similar
to, but not quite the same as, oestrogen. Instead of stimulating
cell growth as natural or environmental oestrogens do, these
compounds bind to the cells that are built to receive oestrogen
and, in so doing, prevent oestrogen itself form binding
to the receptor. Many herbs and foods contain these compounds,
known as phytoestrogens, and they can protect a woman from
her naturally occurring oestrogens as well as exposure to
environmental oestrogens. Phytoestrogens include lignans
found in flaxseed, cereal bran, vegetables, legumes, and
fruits, and isoflavones found in soybeans, chickpeas, and
legumes. One of the best sources of phytoestrogens are soy
products such as tofu, roasted soybeans, tempeh, and soy
milk.
Herbs such as red clover flowers (Trifolium pratense) and
burdock root (Arctium lappa) also contain phytoestrogens
and have a long history of use in the prevention of cancer.
Some studies have shown that retinoids may also offer protection
against breast cancer. Herbs that are high in these compounds
include dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), stinging nettle
(Urtica dioica), and violets (Viola spp). Carotenoids, found
in carrots and other vegetables, can also be converted to
vitamin A in the body. Indole-3-carbinol, a compound found
mostly in cabbage, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables,
has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer because
it interferes with oestrogen metabolism. Other herbs found
to have a protective effect include rosemary (Rosmarinus
officinalis), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and garlic (Allium
sativum). Herbal remedies can also help with the unpleasant
side effects of conventional treatment for breast cancer.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) can reduce nausea caused by
anaesthesia and radiation and chemotherapies. However, it
can cause complications when used with chemotherapy because
it can inhibit blood clotting. Other remedies to combat
nausea include catnip (Nepeta cataria), chamomile (Matricaria
recutita), and red raspberry (Rubus idaeus).
Taking carotene before radiation therapy can prevent tissue
damage. Because chemotherapy greatly reduces the effectiveness
of the body’s immune system, herbs that help bolster
the immune system are essential. Echinacea purpurea and
E. pallida can enhance the function of white blood cells.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) can help maintain a strong
liver, which is very important when your body is receiving
chemotherapy. Extracts of mistletoe (Viscum album) can be
given to enhance the immune system of breast cancer patients
and which may also have a negative effect on the cancer
itself. Blood tonic herbs such as agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
and angelica (Angelica archangelica) can activate the spleen
and tone the blood.
Jones, C.
HERBS FOR HEALTH 1998, Jan/Feb 28-33
THE EFFECT OF DIETARY SOY SUPPLEMENTATION ON HOT FLUSHES
A double-blind, parallel, randomised placebo-controlled
trial of 104 postmenopausal women was carried out to assess
the effect of daily dietary supplementation of soy protein
isolate powder on hot flushes. Fifty-one patients took 60
g of isolated soy protein daily and 53 patients took 60
g of placebo (casein) for 12 weeks.
Soy was significantly superior to placebo in reducing the
mean number of hot flushes per 24 hours. In particular,women
taking soy had a 26% reduction in the mean number of hot
flushes by week 3 and a 33% reduction by week 4. By the
end of the 12th week, patients taking soy had a 45% reduction
in their daily hot flushes compared with a 30% reduction
obtained with the placebo. Gastrointestinal side effects
were the most common cause of premature withdrawal from
the study (seven patients in each group).
Albertazzi, P. et al.
OBSTET. GYNECOL. 1998, 91 6-11
